What you need to know about ANXIETY.

Risk factors

These factors may increase a persons risk of developing an anxiety disorder:

Trauma

            Children who endured abuse or trauma or witnessed traumatic events are at higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder at some point in life. Adults who experience a traumatic event also can develop anxiety disorders.

Stress due to an illness

            Having a health condition or serious illness can cause significant worry about issues such as your treatment and your future.

Stress buildup 

A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances.

Personality 

People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are eg People who get angry easily, low self esteem etc.

Other mental health disorders

People with other mental health disorders, such as depression, often also have an anxiety disorder.

Having blood relatives with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can run in families.

Drugs or alcohol. Drug or alcohol use or misuse or withdrawal can cause or worsen anxiety.

Having blood relatives with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can run in families.

Drugs or alcohol

Drug or alcohol use or misuse or withdrawal can cause or worsen anxiety.

Complications

Having an anxiety disorder does more than make you worry. It can also lead to, or worsen, other mental and physical conditions, such as:

•Depression (which often occurs with an anxiety disorder) or other mental health disorders

•Substance misuse

•Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

•Digestive or bowel problems

•Headaches and chronic pain

•Social isolation

•Problems functioning at school or work

•Poor quality of life

•Suicide

Prevention

There’s no way to predict for certain what will cause someone to develop an anxiety disorder, steps can be taken to reduce the impact of symptoms if a person is anxious.

Get help early

            Anxiety, like many other mental health conditions, can be harder to treat if you wait.

Stay active.

            Participate in activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good about yourself. Enjoy social interaction and caring relationships, which can lessen your worries.

Avoid alcohol or drug use.

            Alcohol and drug use can cause or worsen anxiety. If you’re addicted to any of these substances, quitting can make you anxious. People should be advised to seek healthcare professionals if they can’t quit on their own.

Treatment

The two main treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medications. The combination of both is highly beneficial.